(ANSA) - Rome, March 11 - Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC)
President Carlo Tavecchio said Wednesday that it was necessary
to reduce Serie A from 20 to 18 teams to satisfy Italy coach
Antonio Conte's demands to have more time with his players.
Conte has repeatedly complained about having too little
contact with his players, as did his predecessor Cesare
Prandelli, and failed in a bid to have clubs let footballers go
for brief training camps outside the periods of international
games.
When recently asked about the current state of the
national team, Conte, who has not had his players together since
1-0 win over Albania in a friendly in November, replied that he
had no idea.
Tavecchio said reducing the number of teams in the top
flight could help reduce fixture congestion and create time for
the national team.
"To be able to achieve what he (Conte) wants, it is
necessary to reform the championship," Tavecchio said.
"If you don't reduce Serie A to 18 teams, there'll be less
and less time for training meetings and camps".
Tavecchio says 18-team Serie A needed
Italy coach complains about lack of time with players